WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY?
Our Satisfied Clients
I received timely advice, prompt replies and correct document guidance that ensured the success of my Canada visit visa application. I would surely recommend Fnd Overseas
Ashfaq
USA DEPENDANT VISA
Greetings from the top immigration and visa advisor in the Italy for Indian nationals. Obtain a free online assessment to relocate from India to the Italy. Allow us to assist you!
Reuniting with Family in the US:
The United States, a popular destination for immigrants, offers various pathways for families to live together legally. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur with a valid US visa, FNDOverseas can help you navigate the process of bringing your spouse, children, parents, and other close relatives to the US.
US Dependent Visas:
The US offers several dependent visa categories for family members of visa holders. Here’s an overview of some common options:
- F2 Visa: For dependents (spouse and children) of F-1 student visa holders. Important Note: F2 visa holders cannot work or study in the US.
- J2 Visa:Â For dependents (spouse and children) of J-1 visa holders participating in exchange programs (research, medical training, etc.).
- H4 Visa:Â For spouses and children of H-1B visa holders (specialty occupations). H4 visa holders can apply for work authorization.
Additional Dependent Visa Categories:
Besides the above, there are dependent visas for families of:
- Athletes (P Visa)
- Scientists (O Visa)
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Witnesses in legal proceedings
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- US Citizens
Documents Required
A well-prepared application with complete documentation is key to a successful US dependent visa process. FNDOverseas consultants will be by your side to ensure everything is in order. Here’s a general overview of the documents you might need (specific requirements may vary):
- Passport & Travel History:Â Valid passports and any past travel documents for both the applicant and sponsor.
- Background Documentation:Â Birth certificates, educational qualifications, etc.
- Spouse/Partner Documents:Â Marriage certificate (or proof of civil partnership).
- Relationship Evidence:Â Photos together, travel records as a couple, etc. (The more evidence, the better!)
- Financial Proof: Documentation showing the sponsor’s income is sufficient to support the dependent(s).
- Application & Fees:Â Completed application forms and any required consulate fees.
- English Language Skills:Â Proof of English proficiency may be required in some cases.
Important Note:
- To sponsor a child, they must be under 18 years old at the time of application.
H-1B Dependent Visa:
The specific visa for dependents of H-1B visa holders is called the H-4 visa. Unlike the F-2 visa for student dependents, the H-4 visa allows the holder to live, study, and even work in the US (with additional authorization).
By working with FNDOverseas, you can ensure your dependent visa application is comprehensive and reflects the genuine nature of your relationship. This can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Who Qualifies as an H-4 Dependent?
The H-4 visa is designed for dependents of H-1B visa holders, specifically:
- Spouse:Â The legally married husband or wife of the H-1B holder.
- Children:Â Unmarried children under the age of 21 whose parent holds an H-1B visa.
H-4 Visa Validity:
The validity of the H-4 visa is directly linked to the validity of the H-1B sponsor visa. If the H-1B visa expires, the H-4 dependent visa will also become invalid.
Sponsorship:
The H-4 visa is typically sponsored by the H-1B visa holder, who can be a spouse or parent.
Benefits of the H-4 Visa:
Holding an H-4 visa allows you to:
- Obtain a Driver’s License: You can legally drive in the US with a valid driver’s license.
- Pursue Education:Â You have the opportunity to study at US institutions.
- Access Financial Services:Â You can qualify for banking services and potentially even loans specifically designed for H-4 visa holders.
H-4 Visa Flexibility: Work, Business Ownership, and EAD
The H-4 visa offers surprising flexibility for dependents:
- Work Authorization:Â H-4 visa holders can choose to work part-time, full-time, or not at all. They have the freedom to decide what best suits their needs.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities:Â H-4 visa holders are permitted to start their own businesses, potentially pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams in the US.
- EAD Eligibility: Even if an H-4 visa holder doesn’t currently seek employment, they can still maintain eligibility for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which allows them to work if they choose to in the future.
F-2 Visa: Bringing Your Family to the US While You Study
The F-2 visa is designed for dependents of F-1 student visa holders. It allows:
- Spouses:Â The legal spouse of the F-1 student visa holder.
- Children:Â Unmarried children under the age of 21 who are dependents of the F-1 student visa holder.
F-2 Visa Eligibility:
To qualify for the F-2 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be the spouse of a valid F-1 student visa holder.
- Be a dependent child (under 21 and unmarried) of an F-1 student visa holder.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents while residing in the US.
Key Points:
The H-4 visa provides significant flexibility for dependents of H-1B visa holders, while the F-2 visa allows families of F-1 students to live together in the US during the student’s studies.
Applying for Your F-2 Dependent Visa: Required Documents and Processing Time
Required Documents:
- Passport:Â Present both the original and a photocopy of your valid passport.
- Visa Application Confirmation (DS-160): Ensure you’ve completed and submitted the online visa application form (DS-160).
- Valid Photograph:Â Make sure your photo meets US visa photo specifications.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate:Â (for spouses)
- Birth Certificate:Â (for dependent children under 21)
- Financial Documentation:Â Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents while in the US. This may include bank statements, tax records, and employment documents.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt:Â Confirm payment of the required visa application fee.
- F-1 Student Status Verification:
- Your I-20 Form:Â This document from your US educational institution confirms your F-1 student status.
- Copy of F-1 Visa Holder’s I-20 Form: Include a copy of the primary F-1 student visa holder’s I-20 form.
Processing Time:
The typical processing time for an F-2 visa application can range from 15 to 30 business days. However, several factors can influence this timeframe, including:
- Embassy/Consulate Workload:Â The workload at the US embassy or consulate you apply through can impact processing speed.
- Delivery Option:Â Choosing expedited delivery might reduce processing time, but comes with an additional cost.
- Specific Visa Type:Â The processing time can vary slightly depending on the exact dependent visa category.
- Sponsor’s Visa Application Timing: If you apply concurrently with the F-1 visa holder, your visas might be processed together.
Book a 1-on-1 chat with our Experts on VISA Process!
- Visit Visa
USA Visit Visa
UK Visit Visa
Germany Visit Visa
Canada Visit Visa
Australia
Switzerland Visit Visa
Dubai Visit Visa
Italy Visit Visa
- Student Visa
USA Student Visa
UK Student Visa
Germany Student Visa
Canada Student Visa
Europe Student Visa
Australia Student Visa
Dubai Student Visa
Italy Student Visa
- Work Visa
H1B Visa
UK Work Visa
Germany Work Visa
Canada Work Visa
Switzerland Work Visa
Australia Work Visa
Dubai Work Visa
Italy Work Visa
Why Choose Us for Your Visa Application?
Trust FND Overseas Education for Your Visa Needs
Thousands Of People Choose Our Services
Happy Students
0
k
University Partners
0
k
Successful Clients
0
k
Countries
0
+
Success Rate
0
%
What our customers say
Need help with Immigration? Come to Fnd Overseas Education
Ask us your questions
If you have any questions, please fill out our form to request a call from an expert.
Talk to Immigration Experts
Do you require more personalized guidance? Our Immigration professionals to assist you.